India-bound 2016 BMW X1 front end undisguised - Spied

Reveal expected in June 2015.

German manufacturer BMW is expected to reveal the next generation of the X1 crossover in June 2015, but thanks to Autohome, here's the first look at the front fascia of the upcoming model undisguised.

Codenamed "F48", the X1's body design will be influenced by the current design philosophy, which will add a fresh look to one of India's top selling BMWs. It's expected to be slightly smaller than the current model, though it may also be offered in a long wheelbase variant that will be exclusive to the Chinese market.

Also posted is an interior shot of the X1 prototype, which gives us a good look at the new design of the center console, infotainment display and the steering wheel.

The next gen BMW X1 is expected to offer a fuel efficient engine lineup that includes a three-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol, and a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel making about 168 bhp. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel could also be seen.

It will sit on the UKL platform that also underpins the 2-Series Active Tourer. With the new platform, base variants of the next gen X1 will adopt a front wheel drive system, unlike the current model that sits on a RWD platform. Top-end variants will, however, feature BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Also read: New BMW 7 Series to be 170 kg lighter

For the Indian market, like the current model, the next generation X1 will most likely follow the CKD route, with assembly taking place at their factory located in the outskirts of Chennai. Expect an Indian market launch in 2016.

Competitors: Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA
Expected Price: INR 28–32 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date in Europe: 2015

[Source:Autohome]